Shimon Peres attends Israeli Police ceremony for excelling officers

Had an interesting shoot yesterday and came back with a few photos I like.

Ceremony for recognition of excelling police officers, just a few days before Independence Day, started out like this…

President Shimon Peres and Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino are welcomed at the entrance to a pre-Independence Day ceremony paying tribute to excelling police officers. Jerusalem, Israel. 23-Apr-2012.

Then Shimon Peres got on stage and put up quite a show…

Israel Police Comissioner Yohanan Danino is greatly amused by story told by President Shimon Peres related to first Israel Police Commissioner, Yichezkel Sahar. Jerusalem, Israel. 23-Apr-2012.

Later, it got a bit personal…

President Shimon Peres kisses and consoles mother of Senior NCO Paskal Avrahami, killed in action in August 2011 after 25 years of service as family receives a certificate honoring their son’s lifetime achievements. Jerusalem, Israel. 23-Apr-2012.

And concluded with the Tikva…

President Shimon Peres and Minister of Internal Security Yitzhak Aharonovitch sing “HaTikva”, the Israeli National Anthem, concluding a ceremony, viewed through the bent arm of a saluting Israel Police officer. Jerusalem, Israel. 23-Apr-2012.

Volunteer Work on ‘Good Deeds Day’ – Jerusalem

Female IDF soldier of the Shachar Battalion paints the hallways of old residential buildings on Stern Street in Kiryat Yovel on 'Good Deeds Day'. Jerusalem, Israel. 20-Mar-2012.

Boys of Al-Fak School in the Arab neighborhood of Tsur Baher decorate schoolyard on 'Good Deeds Day' as Municipality participates in a national project that encourages work for the community. Jerusalem, Israel. 20-Mar-2012.

Mayor Nir Barkat and businesswoman and philanthropist Shari Arison plant a tree in a community garden on Stern Street in Kiryat Yovel on ‘Good Deeds Day'. Jerusalem, Israel. 20-Mar-2012.

Second International Jerusalem Marathon in Cold and Rain

A Chasidic Jewish runner crosses the finish line of the 21Km Half Marathon in traditional clothing. Jerusalem, Israel. 16-Mar-2012.

Mayor Barkat welcomes swifts nesting at the Kotel – Jerusalem

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men stand on a balcony in the Jewish Quarter and view a welcoming ceremony for thousands of swifts returning from South Africa to nest in the Western Wall as spring and breeding season arrive. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Mar-2012.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, Mrs. Naomi Tsur, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, Dr. Yossi Leshem, from the Tel-Aviv University and Society for the Protection of Nature and Amnonn Hahn, General Manager of “FRIENDS OF THE SWIFTS” Association in Israel take part in a welcoming ceremony for thousands of swifts returning from South Africa to nest in the Western Wall as spring and breeding season arrive.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat addresses guests at a welcoming ceremony for thousands of swifts returning from South Africa to nest in the Western Wall as spring and breeding season arrive. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Mar-2012.

The Western Wall in Jerusalem serves as one of the oldest Common Swift nesting sites in the world. A special study to map the nests was conducted in 2002 by the researcher, Mr. Ulrich Tigges and by the late Prof. Mendelssohn during which 88 nests were noted. This study map served as a guideline during the work of strengthening the Western Wall, keeping the nests unblocked.

Jerusalem Mayor Mr. Nir Barkat and Deputy Mayor Ms. Naomi Tsur exchange words at a welcoming ceremony for thousands of swifts returning from South Africa to nest in the Western Wall as spring and breeding season arrive. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Mar-2012.

However, the future of the Common Swift is not secure at all and their future is at risk. The FRIENDS OF THE SWIFTS Association, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel and Tel-Aviv University are working together to promise the future of the Common Swift by all available means: saving existing nesting sites, designing and building new ones, special educational programs in schools, assisting Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers, and PR activities to increase public awareness of this special bird and the problems it faces.

Jerusalem Mayor Mr. Nir Barkat (C) and Deputy Mayor Ms. Naomi Tsur (R) receive a book on ornithology from Dr. Yossi Leshem (L), of the Tel-Aviv University and Society for the Protection of Nature. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Mar-2012.

The Common Swift is a unique bird that spends most of its life on the wing. It feeds on flying insects, which it hunts in the air, it drinks while flying, it sleeps on the wing and it even mates on the wing at the beginning of the breeding season. The Common Swift spends most of the time living in South Africa in dense colonial groups and at the beginning of spring starts migrating north to its breeding sites. During mid-February it arrives in Israel, which is known to be one of its first breeding sites, and migrates back to Africa at the beginning of June, immediately after its nestlings have fledged. It is a small bird, weighing only 35 – 45 grams, but is a superior flier, an aerial acrobat. It has a thin, short body and impressive, long, scythe-like wings with an outstanding aspect ratio. Ever since humans have started building cities, the Common Swift has found our buildings perfect for nesting sites including ancient holy sites such as churches, synagogues, mosques and temples, and has become dependent on us.

Swifts begin to congregate above the Western Wall in the late hours of the afternoon in a brilliant aerobatic display of flight capabilities. The Western Wall in Jerusalem serves as one of the oldest Common Swift nesting sites in the world. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Mar-2012.

Deaf and Hearing Impaired Hear the Book of Esther – Jerusalem

Mayor Nir Barkat addresses the audience in a special Purim reading of the Book of Esther for the deaf and hearing-impaired at Bet Zusman using special amplifiers, visual projection and simultaneous sign language translation. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

 

Purim celebrators are viewed through the eyes of a mask as they assemble at Bet-Zusman for a special Purim reading of the Book of Esther for the deaf and hearing-impaired with special amplifiers, visual projection sign language translation. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

Mayor Nir Barkat takes part in a special Purim reading of the Book of Esther for the deaf and hearing-impaired at Bet Zusman, as special amplifiers are used, visual projection on screen and simultaneous sign language translation. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

Mayor Nir Barkat shakes the hand of a boy in a race car driver costume in a special Purim reading of the Book of Esther for the deaf and hearing-impaired at Bet Zusman using special amplifiers, visual projection and simultaneous sign language translation. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

Dutch tulips in full blossom – Jerusalem

Tulips blossom in splendor opposite the Knesset Parliament Building. These flowers are some of a gift of 50,000 bulbs presented by Christians For Israel from The Netherlands to the city of Jerusalem in December last year. Jerusalem, Israel. 6-Mar-2012.

Ethiopian Jews Celebrate The Sigd – Jerusalem

The Ethiopian Jewish community, called Beta-Israel, lived in seclusion for over 1,000 years, only reconnecting to the Jewish world in the late 20th century. According to Ethiopian tradition, their roots go back 3,000 years to the era of King Solomon. Like their brethren in many parts of the world, Ethiopian Jews suffered persecution for their beliefs and refusal to adopt Christianity. In the Middle Ages their lands were confiscated, villages plundered and many murdered. They were nicknamed Falash – intruders, homeless and without property. Despite the hardships, this community preserved their traditions with great devotion and generations were educated on the value of yearning for a return to Jerusalem, The Holy City, home of The Temple, pure and holy. The Sigd celebrations, Sigd meaning “to bow or prostate oneself”, convey their love and yearning for Jerusalem.

Traditionally the celebrations took place on a hilltop looking toward Jerusalem,signifying a renewal of the bond with God. Now, with a community of over 150,000 in Israel the main event takes place annually at the Sherover Promenade in Jerusalem, overlooking The Temple Mount.Thousands followed the Kessim, the religious leaders, and gathered in the late morning hours in colorful traditional garments or in whites signifying purity, to pray and give thanks. Guests of honor included Minister of Immigrant Absorption, Ms. Sofa Landver and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat.

The yearning for Jerusalem has become a reality. Israeli-born offspring to Ethiopian Jews are finding it more and more difficult to identify with the aspirations of their forefathers. First signs are evident that this ancient ethnic celebration of hope and faith might one day be forgotten.